TORONTO – Dr. Timothy O’Connell of Brock University has been named one of Ontario’s most outstanding university teachers by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). O’Connell, who teaches in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, will receive a 2014-2015 OCUFA Teaching Award at an October 24, 2015 ceremony in Toronto.

“Prof. O’Connell is a champion of experiential learning, and believes the pursuit of knowledge is as much about doing as thinking,” said Andrea Buchholz, Chair of OCUFA’s Award Committee. “It is perhaps no surprise that he is taking learning beyond the classroom to astounding new heights.”

The four other recipients of a 2014-2015 OCUFA Teaching Award are:

Greg Evans, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto

Vincent Hui, Department of Architectural Science, Ryerson University

Pippa Lock, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University

Trent Tucker, College of Business and Economics, University of Guelph

“Professors and academic librarians are at the heart of our universities. They prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow, while discovering the ideas and knowledge that enrich all of our lives,” said Judy Bates, President of OCUFA. “OCUFA is honoured to recognize the dedication, skill, and passion of this year’s distinguished winners.”

Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 17,000 professors and academic librarians in 28 faculty associations across Ontario. It is committed to enhancing the quality of higher education in Ontario and recognizing the outstanding contributions of its members towards creating a world-class university system. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at http://www.ocufa.on.ca.